Selecting an Ampule on Amazon.com

An ampule, also known as an ampoule or ampul, is a small glass or plastic vessel for storing and preserving liquids such as chemical solutions and pharmaceutical products. It has a long, slim body and stem with a narrowed section between the body and stem. Capacity is commonly measured in milliliters (mL), with 1 to 20mL being the most common volumes.

Some ampules have a funnel-shaped mouth to aid filling and to accept a stopper for sealing. To extend shelf life and preserve sample purity by protecting against air and contaminants, an ampule can be hermetically sealed by heating the stem over a direct flame and using the pull or tip sealing methods. Long-stem types may be selected to accommodate sealing of heat-sensitive contents. Many ampules have a scored marking, usually at the narrowed section, so that sealed, filled vessels will break cleanly when opened to eliminate the need for filing. Pre-scoring is often identified by a colored band. An ampule snapper or breaker is a tool that may be used for safe, efficient opening of ampules.

Ampules, or ampoules, are commonly used by chemists, educators, and researchers in the health, chemistry, biology, and life sciences fields, among others. Some are designed for specific uses, such as a cryogenic ampule for preserving biological materials with liquid nitrogen and a lyophilization ampule for freeze-drying. They are often manufactured to meet specific health, safety, and environmental standards.